Burke News
Texas State Health Agencies Launch Webpage to Depict Youth Suicide in Texas
A joint effort between the Suicide Prevention Team at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Data Dissemination Team at the Center for Health Statistics at the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), helped to create the new Youth Suicide in Texas data webpage.
Working together for over a year, the HHSC and DSHS team synthesized three sources of data to establish the scope of suicide deaths and attempts among Texans under the age of 25. It also presents factors that put youth at an additional risk of a suicide attempt.
Some of the data information/sources available are:
Youth suicide mortality by demographicsNumber of suicide-related calls to Texas Poison Control CentersIdentifying who’s at risk using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Read More »
COVID-19 Update
A Message from Melanie Taylor, Burke CEO, regarding COVID-19.
As you know, Coronavirus is leading news stories worldwide, and I wanted to give you a quick update on how Burke is addressing the issue.
We have heightened our infection control measures to ensure our client areas in facilities are cleaned with CDC recommended disinfectants daily. Also, we will be implementing a screening process at all service locations and prior to staff making home visits to ensure the optimal protection for everyone.
We encourage everyone to follow recommended health practices, to get information from credible sources (listed below), and to contact your medical care provider if you have a fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. We will Read More »
CDC reports teen suicide rates triple over past decade
By Grace Juarez, Reporter, Lufkin Daily News, see the original story here.
Ray Stone, left, gives his thoughts on a topic during a recent Mental Health First Aid class at Perritte Memorial Methodist Church in Nacogdoches. Brooks Kennemer and Mark McClendon look on.
A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed suicide rates in teens 10-14 have tripled in the past decade.
“Deaths due to suicide and homicide, often referred to collectively as violent deaths, have consistently been a major cause of premature death to persons aged 10–24 in the United States,” the report said. “In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause Read More »
East Texas Business Recognizing Disability Inclusion in the Workforce in October
By Stefante Randall (KTRE Reporter), see the original story here.
LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – Every October, the U.S. Department of Labor observes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which is meant to bring awareness to disability inclusion in the workplace.
Burke Industries in Lufkin is among many East Texas businesses who not only observe NDEA Month, they also help disabled persons learn job skills and find the right employment for them.
“We have a Day Hab program and in this program, we teach individuals self-help skills,” said Deidra Davis, Day Hab Director of Burke Industries. “Then we have our vocational program where we have an emphasis on Read More »
Melanie Taylor Becomes CEO of Burke after Susan Rushing’s Retirement
By Grace Juarez, Reporter, Lufkin Daily News, see the original story here.
Melanie Taylor has taken the helm as CEO of Burke after Susan Rushing retired last week.
Rushing left Burke with 39 years of service to Burke, with 29 as CEO.
“It marks the end of my career at Burke, but it doesn’t end my care and commitment for the mission of Burke, the people of Burke and the people that we serve,” Rushing said. “It’s a great way to look back and see how far we’ve come, and I realize while I’m being celebrated, I didn’t do this by myself.”
Taylor enters the position with 32 years Read More »
Rushing, Burke CEO of 29 Years Retires
This week, Susan Rushing, CEO of Burke, was honored and celebrated at her retirement reception. After 39 years of service and 29 years as Burke Chief Executive Officer, Rushing was showered with appreciation and adoration.
Colonel Howard Daniel, Jr., Chair of Burke’s Board of Trustees presented a Board Resolution to acknowledge Rushing’s significant accomplishments at Burke and for the mental health and developmental disability community. Rushing was recognized as a diligent, effective, and knowledgeable advocate for services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and substance use problems. She has worked to expand the scope and quality of care available to citizens throughout the Read More »
Burke’s Chair Colonel Daniel Recognized as Outstanding Volunteer
Burke CEO Susan Rushing and Burke Deputy CEO Melanie Taylor celebrate the recognition with Colonel Howard Daniel, Jr. and his wife Clara.
Last week, at the 34th Annual Texas Council Conference in Houston, Colonel Howard Daniel Jr., Chair of Burke’s Board of Trustees, was presented with the Frank M. Adams Outstanding Individual Volunteer Service Award. The award is presented annually during the Texas Council Conference and identifies individuals and organizations who exemplify excellent volunteer service in the Community Center system.
Col. Daniel is a leading example, providing specific support to frontline staff and ensuring they have the needs and tools to do their job confidently. Read More »
Rushing Recognized for Exemplifying the “Spirit of a Social Worker”
From left to right: Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant, SFA School of Social Work Professor and Director of MSW Program, Susan Rushing, Burke CEO, Col. Howard Daniel, Burke Chairman of the Board, and Paul Jackson, Director of Community Relations.
On March 13, at the 24th Annual Mission Possible Conference in Nacogdoches, Susan Rushing, CEO of Burke, was presented with the Spirit Award by the SFA School of Social Work. The intent of the award is to identify and honor individuals who may not be social workers, yet they embody the spirit of social work practice. According to Dr. Emmerentie Oliphant, “The School of Social Work recognizes Ms. Read More »
Mental Illness Not to Blame for Gun Violence Study Finds
February 6, 2019
GALVESTON, Texas – Released from the UTMB Newsroom
Counter to a lot of public opinion, having a mental illness does not necessarily make a person more likely to commit gun violence. According to a new study, a better indicator of gun violence was access to firearms.
A study by researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston looked into the association between gun violence and mental health in a group of 663 young adults in Texas. Their results were published in the journal Preventive Medicine.
“Counter to public beliefs, the majority of mental health symptoms examined were not related to gun violence,” said Dr. Yu Lu, Read More »
Burke’s Mental Health Emergency Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary
This week marks the 10th anniversary of Burke’s Mental Health Emergency Center (MHEC), a ground-breaking program that has significantly improved crisis mental health services in east Texas while serving as an award-winning model for other regions throughout the state.
Burke’s MHEC was the nation’s first rural freestanding comprehensive psychiatric emergency service and the first to depend entirely on telemedicine for psychiatric care. Before the MHEC was established, people in mental health crisis often waited for extended periods in hospital emergency rooms—or sometimes in jails—as beds were sought in state or private psychiatric hospitals elsewhere in Texas, far from home and family. With Read More »
